I am Natalie Iturbe Jackson.
Professionally I am the marketing manager and vendor curator of the Melrose Trading Post community market in Los Angeles. Through my work I seek opportunities to showcase local artists, musicians, craftspeople, artisans, entrepreneurs and collectors.
I am a gardener, studying permaculture design and teaching young folks how to nourish their lives with gardening, mindfulness and art.
I’m a strong believer in the power of the growth and forward thinking of the human mind. I love exploring different garden & art mediums, meditation in nature, creating connections and being in nature.
In today’s world of negativity and fear, I feel it is important to remember how powerful, brave and resilient human beings and nature really are. We can conquer and accomplish anything we put our minds to, especially when in collaboration with nature.
Fascinations: Gardening and Plant Life, Disruptions, Sociology, Social Change, Spirituality, Social Problems, Re-Designing Social Systems and Regenerating Landscapes.
UCCE Master Gardener - Class of 2019
Tumblr: cultivatelovela.tumblr.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/NatalieCultivates
Experience
Vendor & Marketing Manager of the Melrose Trading Post at Greenway Arts Alliance
October 2011 – Present Los Angeles, CA
I curate the artists, collectors and vendors for the weekly Melrose Trading Post outdoor market. I also oversee entertainment and marketing for MTP.
Master Gardener at UCANR
May 18, 2019 Los Angeles, CA
Teaching free workshops and leading garden projects throughout Los Angeles County while annually fulfilling Continuing Education (12) & Volunteer Hour (25) requirements.
Garden Designer & Gardening Coach at Cultivate Love LA
November 11, 2017 – 2020 Los Angeles, CA
Cultivating gardeners through workshops, coaching, design and consulting. Put on pause during COVID.
Garden Teaching Artist at Greenway Arts Alliance
September 2016 – Present Los Angeles, CA
2018-Present – Teach weekly after school Garden Design paid internship with two Fairfax High School students.
2016-2018 – I led garden design workshops for Students with special needs at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA.
Volunteer Gardener at Garden of Possibilities
2014 – 2015 Los Angeles, CA
After taking basic gardening lessons from Master Gardener Louisa Cardenas, I volunteered my skills in the garden for several months.
The Garden of Possibilities is located at Carthay Circle Elementary School.
Artist and Member at Los Angeles Art Association
January 2012 – January 2016 Los Angeles, CA
Education
Master Gardener at UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
March 2019 – May 2019 Los Angeles, CA
“To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California and be guided by our core values and
strategic initiatives." – UC Master Gardener Program Mission Statement
http://mg.ucanr.edu/index.cfm
Permaculture Design Course at The Permaculture Academy
October 2016 – March 2017 Los Angeles, CA
Permaculture Design Certification Course
Trello for Business Course at Think Creative Collective
July 2017 – November 2017 Online
Learned how to use Trello.com’s platform to organize my work schedule, flow and business.
Nonprofit Leadership Development Program Graduate at Center for NonProfit Management
2014 – 2015 Los Angeles, CA
Certificate Program for Nonprofit Leaders
BA Sociology at CSU Northridge
August 2013 – December 2007 Northridge, CA
The sociology program at CSU Northridge is in depth, teaching compassion and a deep understanding of people, systems and behaviors.
Exhibitions
Nature vs. Nurture Group
Red Pipe Gallery Los Angeles, CA
Showed 3 Digital Photography Art Works
The Instagram Art Show Group
Melrose Lightspace Los Angeles, CA
Showed “It’s All In Your Perspective”